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Reality Photo Scenes

We all have pretty much figured out that “Reality” TV isn’t real, at least not any more real than scripted TV. Hollywood has put it’s glossy touch on being stranded on a desert isle (hey wait… didn’t they already do that?)

Here are 3 photographers that have abstracted personal space and presented it to the viewer in 3 distinct ways. They’ve each used their impressive talents and resources normally reserved for supermodels and other members of the elite.

Bill Sullivan : The Subway Turnstile Pictures (More Turns)‘I developed a situation so that various subjects could be defined by the constraints of exactly the same mechanical apparatus. ‘ Taking each photo as the person released their hand from the turnstile.

Philip Lorca diCorcia : HeadsEach photo was taken in Times Square, the person unaware. Strobes were hidden in scaffolding so the flash would blacken out everything except the subject. This technique ultimately reveals the ‘armor’ that we wear in urban scenarios.

Pieter Hugo : Looking AsideThis South African photographer took people “whose appearance makes us look aside. In doing so, he forces us to confront ourselves and our preconceptions and prejudices, and question why we are so awkward when we encounter people who are unusual in some way, whether for reasons of albinism, blindness or a skin disorder. In these frontal portraits, we see what we usually choose to look at from the corners of our eyes.” Quote via Michael Stevenson

Discussion

6 comments for “Reality Photo Scenes”

All of these were interesting but the last fellow kind of lost me with his premise. That’s not to say I don’t understand it but that none of these people would make me want to turn away. Also, they seem reminiscent of any one of a number of Richard Avedon’s photos. In fact, I’d be more inclined to look at some of these folks, I think this is a great post because the last set of photos is so provocative.